Detectives are continuing to investigate a number of reported incidents of accosting and suspicious behaviour in Clacton and are asking parents and children to remain vigilant.

Police began their enquiry following two incidents in which teenage boys were accosted in the town by a man on Saturday, October 18.

A 43-year-old man from Clacton was arrested yesterday and interviewed in connection with the investigation but he has now been released without charge and no further action against him is planned.

Detective Inspector Leighton Hammett said: “Following our appeal in relation to the incidents on October 18 several people have contacted us to report other possible accostings or suspicious behaviour by a man in the St Johns Road area dating back to September 27.

“We are speaking to these people to see if we can establish whether they are definitely linked to our initial report and we have asked schools to alert parents as well.

“There have been no attempts to grab any of these children but we would ask people to remain vigilant and make sure their children do not speak to strangers and that they understand the importance of telling them if they are approached. We will be carrying out additional patrols in Clacton to provide reassurance and I would ask anyone with information to speak to our officers.”

The first incident reported to police happened at about 6.30pm on October 18 near an alleyway off Dudley Road.

A man stopped a boy as he was walking home and invited him to walk into the alley with him. The boy ran off and told his parents.

The same man is thought to have been involved in a second incident which happened at 9pm at Coppins Road.

He approached a boy and started chatting with him but the boy became suspicious and ran off.

Detectives believe the same man was involved and described him as about 6ft tall, aged about 50, of large build and with receding short grey or white hair. He was said to have a London accent.

In the first incident he was described as wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans. In the second incident he was wearing a black beanie hat and black cargo trousers.

Anyone with information about these incidents or the man, should contact Clacton CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.